ring among these mountains and on the plains. I noticed
on one of your horses picks, shovels and other mining implements, and I
thought you might combine gold hunting with sight seeing. I'm something
of a gold hunter myself and it occurred to me that we could combine
forces. I've heard vaguely about a huge gold lead much farther west, and
we four might make a strong party, able to reach it despite the Indian
troubles."

The lad's heart beat the note of alarm and of hostility. Was it possible
that this man knew anything of his father's great mine? He had to
exchange only a few sentences with him to understand that he was not
wanted as a fourth partner in the venture.

"Mr. Bent looks for gold casually," he replied, "but our main object is
hunting and exploration. I doubt whether we'd want to take on anything
else, though we thank you for your offer, Mr. Felton."

Felton did not seem at all disconcerted. He made upon Will the
impression of persistency and of great strength, although the strength
might be for evil.

"And so you don't think four are better than three," he said.

"That was not what I implied," replied Will. "What I meant to say was
that our party was made up. Isn't that the way you feel about it, Mr.
Boyd?"

"My feelings to a T," replied the hunter.

"And yours, Mr. Bent?"

"You express my state o' mind to perfection, young William. Mr. Felton
is the finest gentleman we hev met in the mountings since we met that
band o' Sioux, but when a band is made up it's made up."

"Very well, gentlemen," said Felton, no anger showing in his tone. "I
will not force myself upon anybody, but I'm no egotist, even if I do say
you're the losers. My knowledge of the region and my friendship with the
Sioux would be of great advantage to you, would be of so much advantage,
in fact, that it would make me worth more than a fourth share in all the
gold we might find. But, as I said, I will not stay where I'm not
wanted. Good day!"

He strode away among the bushes, and for some distance they saw him
descending the side of the mountain, to disappear at last in a forest of
ash. Then the hunter and the Little Giant looked at each other
significantly.

"We saw a footprint of his last night, Will," said Boyd, "but he came
himself this morning, just at dawn. We can't quite make him out. Why
does he talk of a great mine for which we're looking? Do you think your
father ever mentioned it to anyone else?"

"Not that I ever he